The energetic and danceable HighLife Afro Psych return to the Nimbin Bush Theatre on Saturday July 28. With special guest the legendary Bassidi Koné from Mali, Africa. Playing Afro, funk infused psychedelic, groove and led by South African singer and guitarist Hayden Hack. Sharing a vibe with the likes of Fela Kuti, all the players of Highlife incorporate a 70s-circa Zappa vibe and approach Highlife as a musical experience that will make you move and smile – usually both at once. Their sets are well known for being relentlessly high energy and commanding the attention of the audience with a unique sound that is a concoction of African rhythms, psychedelic funk and improvisational fusion, described as ‘Afro Psych’.

The band is built around mighty musician Hayden Hack, who was raised in South Africa and who now resides the hinterland town of Maleny. Completing the HighLife rhythm section is Nathaniel Combs, a percussion teacher who has just returned from studying in West Africa, well known jazz drummer Max Sportelli, Brad Wenham on 6 string bass and Paddy Kiernan on guitar. Hayden and his band have shared the stage with the likes of Dachambo (Japan) Kooii, Kingfisha and Afro-Dizzi Act and captivated audiences at Woodford Folk Festival, Caloundra Music Festival, Island Vibe and Kuranda Roots Festival amongst many others.

Bassidi Koné comes from from Mali in West Africa. He grew up beside his father’s instrument, the balafon (a traditional, wooden xylophone), instilling in him his forefathers’ traditional village songs and rhythms. Bassidi tours internationally and collaborates with diverse ensembles and musicians and has been involved in a number of milestone performances in Australia, these include The Meander Project, a unique musical collaboration between Multicultural Arts Victoria and students from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), and Sankofa, a collaboration with Australia’s leading, and internationally recognised Afro-contemporary dance company, Asanti Dance Theatre. Bassidi’s virtuoso musicianship brings a new element to the HighLife show as his rhythmic and melodic sensibilities weave seamlessly into the band’s set. During the tour, HighLife will be joined onstage by Bassidi on both balafon and djembe and will present an uplifting and original musical fusion that promises to fill the dancefloor!

Get ready to beat the winter blues and DANCE! The Cafe will be open serving great meals and treats. BYO.

"Travelling from his culturally rich and vibrant homeland of Mali ( West Africa), following in the footsteps of great artists before him such as Salif Keita, Oumou Sangare, Toumani Diabaté, and Rokia Traoré, virtuoso drummer and balaphonist, Bassidi Koné, now brings his shining spirit and awe inspiring musical expression to Australia.'